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A Visual Style with Purpose
Few games can grab attention on visuals alone, but The Eternal Life of Goldman does exactly that. Developed by Weappy Studio and published by THQ Nordic, the game employs a painstaking, frame-by-frame animation process more often associated with classic cartoons than video games.
“In terms of the visuals, it is absolutely hand-drawn and made in classic frame-by-frame technique, kind of like how people used to make animated movies. No two parts or screens in the game look alike, and that’s pretty cool,” explained producer Andreas Schmiedecker at Gamescom 2025.
The result is a game that feels alive in every frame, a world that looks like a moving piece of art rather than a digital recreation. Importantly, this is no gimmick: the animation reflects real gameplay, and the attention to detail permeates every aspect of the experience.
Blending Platforming with Metroidvania Elements
While not a full Metroidvania, The Eternal Life of Goldman straddles the line between that genre and more traditional platforming. Players step into the shoes of Goldman, embarking on a journey across an archipelago of distinct islands. Smaller islands focus on tight, arcade-like platforming challenges, while larger ones expand into Metroidvania territory, encouraging exploration and rewarding players as they unlock new abilities.
“Gameplay-wise, we wanted to get that feeling of the classic 16-bit platformer, like when you look at the cartridge, it looks like an animated movie. We want it to be tight, fast-paced, and still arcadey,” Schmiedecker said.
This philosophy comes through clearly in The Eternal Life of Goldman. Levels demand quick reflexes, but also a willingness to experiment with new mechanics, keeping the game from feeling predictable.
A Cane with Endless Possibilities
At the heart of Goldman’s toolkit is his cane, which recalls DuckTales’ iconic pogo-stick jumps while expanding the idea much further. Modules collected during play allow the cane to be modified in three different sections, enabling players to adapt to specific situations on the fly.
Bouncing on enemies with the cane is satisfying, but swapping in a higher-jump module to reach tricky platforms or hooking onto anchors to swing across gaps adds extra depth. Module switching is intuitive thanks to simple D-pad inputs, ensuring the gameplay flow remains smooth in The Eternal Life of Goldman.
This flexibility carries into puzzles as well. One standout sequence had Goldman crouching to manipulate living platforms that shifted in sync with his movements. Simple to learn, the mechanic soon escalated into more complex navigation challenges that tested both precision and patience.
Old-School Charm, Modern Execution
Throughout the demo, The Eternal Life of Goldman looked every bit as good as its reveal promised. The bold art style is paired with equally polished combat and platforming mechanics, avoiding the trap of relying solely on aesthetics.
“Essentially, there is only one way to make this kind of game, which is the hard way. And also, the fact that it hasn’t been done before. It’s the developers who do all that work, and they’ve essentially dedicated years of their lives to doing this,” Schmiedecker said, praising the Weappy Studios team of around 30 people.
The effort is evident. From the animated environments to the intricate modules, nothing feels rushed or compromised, and The Eternal Life of Goldman simply looks amazing.
A Story with Emotional Potential
Beneath the surface of its animated aesthetic lies a story designed to resonate with players. The demo revealed a framing device in which a mother tells the story of Goldman to her sick child. While details remain under wraps, this structure hints at an emotional throughline, one that could elevate the game beyond being just a stylish platformer.
If the narrative lives up to its promise, The Eternal Life of Goldman could stand alongside other indie titles that balance gameplay with heartfelt storytelling.
Looking Ahead
With no fixed release date but an expected launch in late 2025, The Eternal Life of Goldman already feels like a standout contender for the year’s most visually striking platformer. Its hand-drawn art, innovative cane mechanics, and blend of platforming with light Metroidvania elements create a package that is both nostalgic and refreshingly original.
For players who long for a game that feels like stepping into a living cartoon, this might be one of the most exciting releases on the horizon.
